Kejriwal: L- G ‘ obstructing’ all govt projects

AAP minister Gahlot says Baijal objected to Teerth Yatra scheme

Delhi revenue minister Kailash Gahlot on Friday alleged that the lieutenant- governor had “objected” to the government’s proposed “Teerth Yatra” scheme for the elderly, prompting CM Arvind Kejriwal to accuse the L- G of “obstructing” every AAP project.

Mr Gahlot alleged that lieutenant- governor Anil Baijal “objected” to the scheme and said it should be “restricted” to people in the Below Poverty Line ( BPL) category.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, the L- G office said that Mr Baijal had returned the file to the revenue minister on March 8 and invited him to discuss so that a considered decision could be taken in the benefit of the people of Delhi.

However, no attempt has been made by Mr Gahlot’s office to discuss the matter, it stated.

“It is reiterated that a reasonable income criteria has been advised on the same lines as other states and not BPL ( as quoted by the minister) so that scarce government funds are used for the benefit of the needy,” the L- G office said in a statement.

Under the scheme, which was proposed in the 2018- 19 Delhi Budget, the Kejriwal government plans to send senior citizens on pilgrimage for free of cost.

The CM also asked the BJP not to “obstruct” his government’s work.

“I feel v v sad that LG is practically obstructing every scheme... How do we run govt like this? My appeal to BJP — Don’t obstruct our work. I challenge your govts in other states to compete with us in work ( sic),” Mr Kejriwal said on Twitter.

◗ The L- G office said that Mr Baijal had returned the file to the revenue minister on March 8 and invited him for talks. However, no attempt has been made by the office of Mr Gahlot.